Need advice on when to butcher!!!

[KNHKLUCKERS]

I have 12 Cornish X that are nearing 6 weeks. My brother used a fish scale to weight a couple tonight and one was 8lbs 14oz and the other was 7lbs 8oz roo and hen. I don't want them to get to the point that legs start breaking or having heart issues. I also don't want them to get real tough. If I don't butcher this weekend they will have to wait 2 more weeks. I need some opinions from some of you. Do I wait or do I butcher?? Does any know, given the weights mentioned, how much would they weigh clean? Or a close approximate that I should subtract given a certain weight??

 

[Habibs Hens]

usually 8-10 weeks is the right age

but you can do it by weight not leaving it more than 15 weeks

 

[Reurra]

Ive got a gal near me that raises 100 meat birds every year. She slaughters at 9 weeks and they are 9-10lbs each.

 

[KNHKLUCKERS]

usually 8-10 weeks is the right age

but you can do it by weight not leaving it more than 15 weeks

Ive got a gal near me that raises 100 meat birds every year. She slaughters at 9 weeks and they are 9-10lbs each.

Thanks for the advice....I'm going to just be patient...I'm just hungry for some chicken I guess....

 

[LilyD]

Personally if they are between 7 and 8 pounds there is no reason you can't do them now. Are those just the big ones or are they pretty much the same size as the rest of your birds? If they are all about that size I would go ahead and do them. Why wait?

 

[Elke Beck]

The other thing you can do is pick the biggest to do this weekend, and let the rest ride until 2 weeks from now.

 

[Lexiluke]

At my house, if they get to 8 lbs, it's time! Regardless of age. Usually it is between 7-8 weeks.

 

[KNHKLUCKERS]

Thanks for all the advice...we plan on doing 1 or 2 tomorrow and testing the water so to speak...then most likely finishing in 2 weeks when my DW can join in the "fun"...LOL

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

That would be my advice, pick a few to butcher tomorrow, either the largest two or see if any seem to be having mobility issues or any other health issues where you worry they might not make it another two weeks. It will work as a trial run for you as well and let you know if there is any important piece of the process you've forgotten or a new piece of equipment you need. After butchering my first bird, I decided that I needed to invest in a new, really good quality knife. You might learn something else. It will also mean you have two less to do in two weeks. I doubt toughness will be an issue, but if you select carefully which ones to do early, you may have a better over all health outcome. Good luck.